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Hairy Spiderwort Tradescantia hirsuticaulis

Phonetic Spelling
trad-es-KAN-tee-uh
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Hairystem spiderwort is a North Carolina native perennial in the spiderwort or dayflower family (Commelinaceae).  It is not abundant, and you are not likely to stumble onto an area where they are growing.  It will typically be seen in dry, open rocky woods, around rock outcrops and along bluffs.  In addition to the North Carolina mountains, it can be found in the mid to southeastern states in dry rocky woodlands. It grows about 1.5 feet tall and has hairy leaves and stems. The specific epithet, hirsuticaulis, is derived from the Latin word hirsut meaning "hairy" and caul meaning "a stem or stalk." 

These plants prefer partial shade and can tolerate poor, dry soils. Care of this plant can include placing some mulch to retain some moisture. Where it is grown as a perennial, give the plant some room to spread or crawl.  Pruning can be done after its blooming has completed for the season. In warmer climates, such as in the Mediterranean, in desert settings, in temperate or in the tropics, it is grown as a perennial evergreen.  Colder climates will give it more of an annual life cycle. Propagation can be accomplished by stem cuttings, insuring to leave at least 3 leaves on the cutting.

This species is low growing and compact. The stems are hairy, erect or ascending. The leaves are hairy, narrow, and measure 6 inches long and 1/3 inch wide and are scattered along the hairy stem. At the end of the stem, a cluster of blue to violet blue flowers bloom. The bloom is triangular-shaped, 3-petaled, and  measures 1 inch in diameter. Blooming occurs from late spring to early summer. The brownish capsule type fruits appear soon after flowering is complete.  

The hairy spiderwort is a beautiful plant, but it is less common. It can be used as a groundcover along walkways or rock gardens. It may also be planted in containers for your patio or outside living space. The flowers will attract bees and pollinators.

 Quick ID Hints: 

  • hairy stems, leaves, flower buds and flowers
  • narrow leaves measuring 6 inches long and 1/3 inch wide
  • blue to violet blue flowers, 3-petaled, triangular-shaped

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for mealybugs, spider mites, thrips, and aphids. Overwatering can cause root rot or fungal infections. 

This family of plants is mildly toxic to pets and humans, if ingested. Contact with any part of the plant may cause skin redness and irritation. Wearing protective gloves is recommended.

More information on Tradescantia.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#low growing#blue flowers#NC native#ornamentals#herbaceous perennial#rock garden#pollinator plant#clumping#food source summer#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source nectar#food source pollen#humidity tolerant#dry soils tolerant#ascending#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for children#Audubon#poisonous if ingested#perennial#erect#wildflower#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#low growing#blue flowers#NC native#ornamentals#herbaceous perennial#rock garden#pollinator plant#clumping#food source summer#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source nectar#food source pollen#humidity tolerant#dry soils tolerant#ascending#problem for cats#problem for dogs#bee friendly#problem for children#Audubon#poisonous if ingested#perennial#erect#wildflower#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Tradescantia
    Species:
    hirsuticaulis
    Family:
    Commelinaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Oklahoma to Southeastern United States
    Distribution:
    Native: AL, AR, GA, NC, OK, SC, TN
    Wildlife Value:
    Hairy spiderwort attracts bees and other pollinators.
    Play Value:
    Attracts Pollinators
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Ascending
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Displays from May to July, after blooms have faded.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Saucer
    Flower Petals:
    2-3 rays/petals
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Blue to violet-blue flowers bloom from late spring to early summer. Each flower is approximately 1 to 1.25 inches wide, 3-petaled, triangular-shaped, and appear in clusters at the end of the stem. They last for one day, but only a few bloom at a time.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Velvety
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Scattered, narrow leaves, with pointed edges grow along the stem and are spirally arranged. The leaves are blue-green and up to 6 inches long and 1/3 inch wide.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    The stems are erect or ascending, unbranched or sparsely branched, and hairy. The nodes rarely root.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Patio
    Riparian
    Slope/Bank
    Small Space
    Walkways
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Native Garden
    Rock Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Barrier
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Heat
    Humidity
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    If ingested by humans or pets, can cause mouth and stomach irritation. Contact with the plant or sap can cause skin irritation.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    unknown
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Seeds
    Stems